A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 7

The snow had stopped.

Since Shu Yubai entered, Nan Xue had kept a cold expression, her fingers clutching the porcelain spoon tightly, her face showing no extra emotion.

The dining place was in a Ming-Qing style. Looking out through the carved wooden windows, branches were covered in snow, and the rockeries, pavilions, and towers created a black-and-white contrast, like an ink painting.

“Is it cold?”

Xiao Yi asked softly, “You’re dressed too lightly, you might catch a cold.”

Shu Yubai shook her head and, guided by Xiao Yi, took the seat next to her.

The large round table made of redwood was surrounded by people, both familiar and unfamiliar, young and old. Shu Yubai looked around quietly and noticed an aunt she used to know, a neighbor from the old house whom both Nan Xue and she recognized.

Nan Xue sat beside her with a neutral expression, giving no hint of her mood.

“Yubai is here too.”

The aunt noticed her and immediately smiled gently, “Your dad is at that table. Should I call him over?”

Shu Yubai’s face turned pale for a moment, then she shook her head, “It’s okay, Auntie, he’s busy.”

Shu Yubai hadn’t spoken to her father for many years.

Even if they met, it would be awkward.

Outsiders didn’t know, thinking family bonds were always strong.

There were many people at the table, some familiar and others not.

Nan Xue sat quietly, her red lips glossy, a few strands of black hair falling on her pale chin. She looked beautiful but was quite aloof, responding to the aunt’s questions only occasionally and with polite nods.

She didn’t glance at Shu Yubai even once.

The atmosphere was distant.

As people chatted slowly, Shu Yubai lost track of what was being said. Her attention was fixed on Nan Xue, watching her occasionally adjust her thick wool scarf with her pale fingers, a cold and careless action.

Uncertain and nervous.

“Yubai?”

Her fingers were enveloped in warm palms, “Your hands are so cold. Have some hot tea.”

Xiao Yi looked at her, then stirred the turntable, lifted the teapot, and poured tea into a small cup resembling Ru porcelain.

“Pu’er tea, good for the stomach.”

“Thank you.” Shu Yubai picked up the cup, bowed her head to drink, but felt as if Nan Xue was watching her, though she couldn’t be sure.

Soon, the food was served.

Shu Yubai ate slowly, and Xiao Yi, as if worried she might not have enough, kept serving her dishes.

Busy as a hamster carrying goods to a warehouse.

Shu Yubai looked at her and, unable to hold back, finally smiled.

Her smile was rare and open, her red lips curving, her bright, moist eyes gazing at Xiao Yi. Her long, beautiful eyelashes fluttered gently, and her gaze seemed to brighten like spring light.

Xiao Yi stared in surprise, her heart skipping a beat, “What’s wrong?”

Shu Yubai waved her hand, “I’m not a child. Why keep serving me?”